The young people of the United Reformed Church vowed to put their actions where their mouths are at this year’s Youth Assembly, held in Northampton.
Taking the theme “Wise Words – Wise Actions” as their starting point, around one hundred 14-25-year-olds enjoyed a weekend of business, worship, and a wide range of activities – from prayer walks and karaoke to marshmallow toasting and ceilidh dancing.
Following lively discussion and a vote, Youth Executive was tasked with focusing their attention in 2026-27 on three priorities: social injustices for young people; international partnerships and collaboration with Christian youth; and environmental issues.
From tackling a housing crisis that prevents young people from moving out from home to recognising that those below the poverty line are impacted more by the effects of climate change, members of Assembly made clear the issues they are passionate about – and feel their churches and communities should care deeply about too. Taylor Hawkins, a delegate from Wessex Synod, was successful in persuading Youth Assembly to encourage synods and local churches to become more young carer aware. Their resolution will come to the recently formed Faith in Action committee for further discussion and action.
There was also a notable emphasis on the need to collaborate ecumenically. Delegates were present from different Christian denominations, from across the UK and Germany, as well as interns from the Joint Public Issues Team. Incoming Youth Moderator Kacie Hodgson has made “expanding our horizons through our ecumenical relations” one of the platforms of her year in office, and Moderator-Elect Alex Clements added that “where URC churches exist at a geographical distance, we need to support young people to feel more confident in getting to know young people of other Church denominations”.
The depth of commitment to Youth Assembly was evident throughout the event. Outgoing Youth Moderator Maya Withall, who joined the URC aged 11 from a non-Christian background, marvelled at the journey she has come on and said her colleagues on Youth Executive have inspired her to be better in her own work. The new Clerk of Youth Assembly, Jessica Gough, echoed that sentiment and told the gathering she was baptised recently and became a member of her local church. She said, “I honestly don’t think I would have made that decision had I not got involved with URC Youth.”
Christie Ntim led Youth Assembly 2026 into its first worship session and expressed what many others also felt: “a warming love from many participants at Youth Assembly, which filled me with so much hope and joy as we shared stories and wise words with each other.”
Recruitment is underway for young people who would like to help plan future Youth Assemblies. Details and an Expression of Interest Form at https://bit.ly/YAplan.
Pictured: (main image) worship; (montage) Maya Withall (past Youth Moderator), Kacie Hodgson (Youth Moderator, 2026-27) and Alex Clements (Youth Moderator-Elect) / wise words make wise badges / some umbrellas just don’t work